Marketing Paranoia - 3 of 3

As an indie author I, along with many of you, have found the whole area of marketing a real challenge. Most, with just a handful of exceptions, state they would rather get on with their writing than have to spend time trying to gain readers attentions. It also has to be said many of us are anything but extrovert. However, unless we really do not wish people to be aware of our book(s) existence, we have no choice but to spend time on social media, and in other areas. Of course there are a few who have the means to employ others to market their books for them. But for the majority of us this is not an option; we just do not have the means.
After a few years of writing and trying to get my books noticed, by a variety of means, I thought it only fair to share my experience with my fellow authors. Hence this series of posts. In the first (1 of 3) I looked at Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. In the second (2 of 3) I considered LinkdIn, Goole’s G+ and Pinterest. In this third, and final post (3 of 3), I thought it only right to draw the topic to a close. Of course, as always, I will share any new options I come across that I think may be of help e.g. new publishing companies; new advertising opportunities etc.
In this post I will have a quick look at Instagram, Wattpad and Blogging and undertake a general roundup of matters as I see them.
Before continuing I feel I must emphasise again that I am not a marketing expert or professional. I am simply a private individual who also happens to be a self-published author.



Instagram
This is an image sharing site; similar to Pinterest. I understand that it is fast becoming very popular. Part of this I suspect must be due to the ease with which someone may take a photograph with their smartphone and, virtually immediately, upload it to the site.
You are able to add captions and file paths BUT you should be aware that users cannot simply click on the url to go to the relevant site; they have to copy and paste it into a browser. However, any url you add to your profile will work.
I was not sure what to expect when I first started using the site but quickly learnt, or at least so it appears to me, that the average age of users is young. Consequently, they may not have an interest it things us older folks share.
You are able to advertise on Instagram; it uses Facebook adverts. I have to say I very much doubt advertising here will have much impact upon your potential sells or readers. Also, though I have never tried it, or come to that matter seen any, I presume adverts are simply included in the general string of posts/images. Very unlikely they will draw much attention.
Wattpad
This is a site where you may share your writing, even publishing it bit by bit, as you progress through your book. Please note: it is entirely free to users so you will not receive any financial compensation for your writing. Please also be aware that in the past there have been some copyright/plagiarism issues.
Again, I discovered the majority of users appear to be very young. This only dawned upon me after a couple of on-line conversations when I realised some of the people I was ‘talking’ with were still at school. In fact, due to some of the horrific content in a few of my books, I ceased sharing because I considered it was too much for such young people.
Now, there are one or two authors that have found success by sharing on Wattpad. It has to be said they wrote in the romance genre and, by their own admission, had to spend hours interacting with users.
As far as I am aware you cannot advertise on this site.
So far, for me at least, this has not proved a viable site.
Blogging
Every author, even if they do not have a website, should have a blog. It is a good way to share with readers, followers, and fellow authors. It is a place where people may get to know more about you and where you may share your knowledge. I am very grateful to those who have and do share their knowledge freely; when first starting out I knew little about the self-publishing world and learnt much from these people. I am now very grateful that I may share my own experiences that, hopefully, help others on their publishing path.
What to share is always a challenge. When first starting I tried to write about everything e.g. writing, marketing, my travels, an ‘agony aunt’ sort of column, my books etc. After a few years of experience and listening to other people’s experience and advice, I have concluded to have such a vast array of subjects may be confusing and unhelpful to others. You need to decide what it is you wish to convey to your blog readers.
·         Is it simply to let them know who you are?·         Is it just to promote your books? (Not a good idea to only do this.)·         Is it to share your knowledge and experience?·         Is it simply to let readers know what you are up to?
Of course there is much more you could include. What you share does need to be relevant and quality. This brings us to an area I am not good at. Who are you target audience? I have read a few articles about how to identify these but, so far, have not had much success in identifying my own. Nevertheless, I understand many have succeeded in finding theirs. If you have been able to do so then you will, or at least should, know what your audience is interested in.
Of course, as I am sure you will have discovered for yourself, there are millions of blogs out there. How do you therefore gain attention? Most of the social media sites I have referred to in these posts are good for connecting with people and most (not all - take care you do not breach group rules) allow you to post links to your blog. Therefore, anyone interested in your topics and discussion will know of your existence and will have the opportunity to follow your writings, if they wish.
General Roundup
You will have noted over these three posts that my conclusions have tended to be on the negative side. I should say that I have also received a few comments from others agreeing what I have shared reflects their own experience. Nevertheless, as mentioned more than once, social media does provide the opportunity to connect with others. It may not help directly with sells but it is better to be known by a few rather than no one. And, it is good to share and learn. There have been the occasional successes, sometimes of books considered unlikely, so we may always hope. If you do not have the information out there how will anyone know about your book(s)?
Having looked at these various sites I must conclude that advertising on any of them is not really very productive. To my mind it would be a waste of money.
I would love to hear of your own experiences (and successes). It is quite possible I have missed something.
I wish each and every one of you, success with your book(s) and hope life is kind to you.